Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar here on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in all fields as well as the latest developments at the international and regional levels, especially the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis on the energy, food and economy sectors. After the meeting, Jaishankar said: "Honored to call on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message." Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cordial wishes were delivered by Jaishankar, who is in Egypt for the first time at the request of his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, to El Sisi on Sunday, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Modi and President El-Sisi have a very excellent personal connection, according to Jaishankar, who stated this at a Saturday encounter with the Indian community. "I know that he has been wanting to visit (Egypt) for some time. It is one of those situations, partly COVID, that has disrupted the travel schedule. But I can assure you it's very much on his mind," Jaishankar had said in response to a question. According to the Indian Embassy website, the latest prime ministerial visit from India to Egypt was in 2009, when Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Cairo for the Non-Aligned Summit. During his meeting with President El-Sisi on Sunday, Jaishankar expressed his "deep appreciation" for his direction in further expanding many facets of the Egypt-India relationship and updated him on his conversations with Foreign Minister Shoukry. "As independent-minded nations, India and Egypt contribute to global discourse. And promote the cause of peace, progress and development," Jaishankar tweeted. He stated that India values Egypt's involvement in the G20 during its tenure. "We are fully committed to the success of COP27 under the Egyptian presidency," he said. On Saturday, Jaishankar met with his Egyptian colleague Shoukry and addressed a variety of problems, including the Ukraine crisis and the Indo-Pacific, as well as how to strengthen bilateral connections and build a more resilient global economy. According to Jaishankar, India and Egypt's collaboration in multilateral forums remains strong, and he welcomed Egypt's participation in the G20 next year, as well as the BRICS New Development Bank and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). India and Egypt have a long history of communication and collaboration in bilateral, regional, and global concerns, which has resulted in deep political understanding. Egypt has long been one of India's most significant African commercial partners. According to the Indian embassy in Egypt, bilateral trade increased quickly in 2021-22, totaling 7.26 billion, a 75% increase over FY 2020-21. The Indian community in Egypt now counts roughly 3,200 people, the majority of whom live in Cairo. There are a few families in Alexandria, Port Said, and Ismailia as well. — Agencies
